September 6, 2023
~ School Begins in Allentown ~
ASDF Programs and Events
We welcome all students and employees back to school in Allentown!

With a mission to encourage, promote, support and fund positive educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District, the ASD Foundation is excited to begin this new school year with many programs for youth. We thank each individual, business and charitable organization that provides the funding that make our initiatives possible. Read on for fall updates.
Art in the Park
We look forward to exhibiting at the fabulous West Park event from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 16. Our booth features framed prints of student art from our many Artist Residencies since 2009. We also have note cards - with two brand new series from the 2022-2023 school year!


All donations from this event are used to support the art programs run by the ASD Foundation.
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Glass Garden Art
Retired ASD teacher, Martha Reitz, will be exhibiting at Art in the Park. She will donate a portion of her proceeds to the ASD Foundation.

Please visit her booth and say hello - or Bonjour!
Middle School Latin Dance!
This after school program builds confidence, discipline, and persistence through dance. Students make friends and learn how commitment to a group builds community and individual skills. Dancing salsa and merengue builds physical stamina and a provides healthy dose of fun.

All middle school students are invited! Visit the school office for more information. Each middle school has an in-school coach and professional dance instructors visit the schools once a week. The series culminates in a beautiful, lively, competition between the schools held at on November 15. Mark your calendar and plan to join us! More details are coming soon.

We thank Highmark for their grant to support this initiative. Additional funding is provided by EITC donors and individuals.
Raub Middle School Viola & Violin
Through our partnership with El Sistema (a program of the Allentown Symphony) the ASD Foundation will once again offer Raub Middle School students the opportunity to learn to play violin or viola. There is no cost to students thanks to the generosity of our donors!

Students learn to play their instrument through a model that also teaches responsibility and other work & life skills.

Encourage Raub students to sign up at their Open House on September 14.
Elementary Visual Arts
Per tradition, we are happy to provide Artists in Residence at several elementary schools again this fall. Planning is underway - watch for updates.
The list of reasons we draw generated by Dieruff High School students in Dr. Tinsman-Schaffer's class demonstrates many advantages that drawing and the arts bring to our daily lives.

Not everyone will pursue a career in the arts, yet each of us benefits from developing our own arts-related skills and by learning to appreciate the arts.

Art education in elementary school is an absolute game-changer for our children's growth and development, and we're on the cusp of something extraordinary with the ASD's renewed commitment to the arts.

Research has consistently demonstrated that introducing kids to the arts from a young age yields an array of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. 
Literacy Volunteers
YOU can change the outcome of a child's life by joining the ASD Foundation's Literacy Volunteer program.

Spending one hour per week in a kindergarten or 1st grade class will make a difference (and you'll reap the rewards of being with these wonderful students).

Attending an orientation session is the first step - we'll guide you through the process.

Use the Sign Up link for information.
Apply for TIG Grants NOW
ASD Educators are invited to apply for up to $1200 to do something new in their class or school this year.

Application Deadline: Friday, October 20, 2023.

Donations are currently being accepted to support Teacher Innovation Grants in Allentown. All amounts are greatly appreciated. Gifts of $1200 or more will have a TIG award named in your honor.
Donor Spotlight
The ASD Foundation is a community-based organization that relies on the generosity of partners who support our mission. In this donor spotlight we recognize two companies that have supported the ASDF for at least seven years each!
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The Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF) is a not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as permitted by law. Official registration and financial information for the ASDF may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free 1-800-732-0999.

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